Party of Five

Yes, I am still here. It has been too long since I have last blogged, but I believe my reasons to be good. I have been quite ill since October and finding time to do anything has been very hard. But if there are any "good" illnesses, then mine is the best kind. We are expecting another baby!! I am 16 weeks along, and am still suffering from morning sickness, though not as frequently as in my first trimester. However, I have actually vomited much more in my second trimester. I have been sick since I was about five weeks pregnant. Joe and I would say "OK, only seven more weeks." Then, "OK, only four more weeks." At 12 weeks, and still very sick, we gave up and said it will end when it ends. At 16 weeks, I am really hoping that time is soon! I was sick for five months with Alex, so I know I could go on for about another four weeks. But, like I said, this is the best kind of illness to have and if it means that in June I get a beautiful healthy baby to hold in my arms, then I'll put up with it for as long as I have to. I can feel the baby move, the pro of being a veteran mom. The con, I certainly look pregnant, farther along than I really am and am in full maternity wardrobe. We will NOT find out the sex of the baby. We had too much fun being surprised with the other kids. Plus, with a boy and a girl already, I'm set and have no need to find out ahead of time. I am horrible at predicting what I am having and was wrong with both Alex and Jenna, so I won't even bother with this one. The kid's have been so much fun with this. At first, Alex was extremely angry and made it quite clear that he did "not want another person living in this house." But he has come around and now talks about helping me with bathing the baby. He only wants a brother and has decided his name will be Jedi. Jenna, as much of a tomboy as she is, is very excited and really into the whole baby thing. She talks about the baby all the time and has even mentioned the baby growing in her belly - "my belly hurts because my baby is getting bigger." At first she really wanted a sister, but now will tell anyone that asks that she wants a brother. However, when speaking about the baby Jenna refers to the baby as "she." Jenna has named the baby Snowmanny and calls the baby this all the time. I wish I could make a three year understand time, because I am asked too often "when is it June?" I reply, " we have a long time to go, Jenna." The kids have been real troopers with me being sick. I give them so much credit and in return they keep me laughing. I love their view on all of this. If I throw up, they say it was the baby pushing things up and out of my mouth. We had an interesting discussion with Alex and have ventured into the early beginnings of the "birds and the bees" conversation with him. He asked if he could have a baby when he got older. We told him of course he could, but that he couldn't have one in his belly. He was very disappointed and asked why. We gave the basic gender differences talk and explained why only girls can carry babies. He looked as us and said, "so, you poop the baby out." I stifled my laugh and said, "well, something like that but not really." Conversation ended then. We have emphasized the good things that are happening already because of the baby - like when we made a special trip to Culver's because the baby just had to have ice cream. They both thanked the baby! And then there was the string of trips to Burger King because the only thing the baby wanted for dinner was a whopper. The next 24 weeks will be interesting - I only hope the morning sickness goes away soon!! Next doctor's appointment Jan. 24 for an ultrasound....sorry, not changing my mind about finding out!